THE DEVELOPMENT OF MY PAINTING 1977 - 1981

Abstract

In this paper, I trace the development of my painting from my fourth year as a student of Fine Arts at the University of Calgary to my third year in the Master of Arts programme at the University of Saskatchewan. During this time, from 1977 to 1981, my painting has gradually changed from being abstract to its present state of expressionistic naturalism. I describe my paintings chronologically, explaining the subject matter and form of each major series of work that I did. I discuss my approach to my paintings at various times in terms of what I actually put down on the canvas and what I thought the work expressed. I analyse the development of my work, from one series to the next, by explaining where the forms originated and how certain forms and ideas grew out of my earlier paintings or were conceived according to my experiences. Finally, I share my thoughts, in retrospect, about my former paintings and compare my present ideas about my art work.